Hawthorne - [SAMPLE]

SEVEN

Camilla White

I've never seen the duke lose his temper before, especially not with his mother.

He has the first to keep his bearings together from all our limited encounters in the past. Sure, he's always been very assertive, but tonight was more than that. He truly didn't put up with her attitude.

I am somewhat pleased but uneasy about the exchange. It shouldn't affect me at all, but it did make my stomach flutter when he stood his ground. On the other hand, it also made me realise I never want to be the target of his bad temper.

The man's always calm and collected but seems to be hiding a cantankerous persona inside. I hope not; otherwise, it could make my life here a living hell.

He's since locked himself in his office, and I've sent everyone back home for the evening while finishing off the cleaning of the kitchen. It's best to stay clear of him for the rest of the night, and keeping busy on this side of the manor will prevent any unnecessary encounters.

All of the tension left behind from dinner has left me with no hunger whatsoever, and as soon as I have this wrapped up, I'll take Primrose out and collapse on the bed for a good night sleep.

Tomorrow's a new day, and the duke will be in a better mood for me to try and plan the menu in more detail for the upcoming week so there aren't surprises like tonight.

Just when I am crouching by the bottom cabinets and rearranging the pans, a rough voice sounds from behind me, "What are you doing?"

It's enough to make me turn around, startled, with a pan clutched to my chest.

"Uhm, I–" I stutter.

"I asked you a question," he says after clearing his throat with a stern tone.

"Cleaning," I confess.

His head tilts to the side, watching me intently as I slowly rise and meekly stand in front of him, pan still in my hand. There's a whole kitchen island with stools separating us, but with this man, being in the same division already means too close.

His mere presence takes over the entire division, changing the environment's mood, and I can't help being affected as well.

Sure, he is often intimidating, but it's more than that to me. The duke's presence and voice shake me to the core, blossoming feelings and emotions I had never experienced before.

It's confusing and...exciting.

"I thought a whole team was appointed for that, and last time I checked, you're not one of them."

"I know, Your Grace. But everyone was exhausted, and I needed something to keep busy tonight."

"Well then, the hours will be deducted from their payrolls. I don't–"

"What? No!" I exclaim, cutting him off.

His eye twitches, and I shut up right away.

He is still your boss, Camilla.

With one step forward on his side, he quickly reaches the island counter. It immediately makes me take one back, even if there is still a considerable distance between us. He stops right next to the island, leaning the side of his hip against it and crossing his arms over his chest.

I follow every move, how it's done slowly, steadily, and full of confidence. When his chest slowly pops up, I finally divert my eyes up to his and gulp at the look on his face.

"Come again?" he questions, keeping his eyebrow cocked up.

At a glance, he could look amused, but as I stare straight into his eyes, I can see the storm brewing. Even with the kitchen lights on, there's a darkness in his eyes tonight, a hardness I hadn't seen yet, and it makes my heart race.